Investigator

Compliance and Risk Services has an outstanding opportunity for an Investigator to join their team. 

About this Opportunity 

Reporting to the Manager of Civil Rights Investigations, the Investigator performs fact-finding functions on a wide range of complex and impactful cases that are central to advancing the University’s commitment to equity and compliance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and related anti-discrimination laws and University policies, and Student Conduct Code. The role contributes to a collaborative framework for addressing civil rights issues comprehensively and effectively.  

Key Responsibilities: 

Investigation and Compliance (65%)   

• Investigate complaints made internally within the University that assert violations of University of Washington policies, including, but not limited to: Executive Order No. 81, the University’s policy prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics, and sexual misconduct; and the Student Conduct Code  

• Investigate complaints filed with external agencies and charges against the University of Washington, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination (e.g., Title VII, ADEA, ADA, Title IX), retaliation, and harassment  

• Conduct investigations in accordance with state and federal laws, regulations, and applicable case law  

• Participate in external agency fact-finding and mediation conferences as necessary  

• Participate in investigation-related activities as necessary, such as testifying as a witness in internal proceedings related to employee or student misconduct  

Reporting and Communication (25%)   

• Provide agencies with detailed written responses and information that comply with agency standards  

• Prepare witnesses for interviews with administrative agencies conducting on-site investigations  

Risk Evaluation and Resolution (5%)   

• Lead cross-departmental resolution teams in devising, refining, and implementing appropriate and creative approaches to dispute resolution   

• Negotiate settlements within delegated authority; obtain authority in excess of delegation, as appropriate and when necessary   

• Execute settlement agreements    

Collaboration, Data Management, and Support (5%)   

• Collaborate with University departments, Human Resources representatives, Assistant Attorneys General, and administrative personnel in handling complaints and related issues, as appropriate   

Required Qualifications 

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Juris Doctorate AND three years of professional work experience  

• Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements such as a license/certification/registration (Bachelor’s degree and seven years of experience conducting investigations)  

• Deep working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations related to compliance with nondiscrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, WLAD, and the ADA   

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to both be impartial and project impartiality, and the ability to establish rapport with a diverse range of community members   

• Excellent critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze information, evaluate results, and facilitate resolution of difficult challenges   

• Ability to manage issues of complex and extreme sensitivity with a high level of professionalism   

• Demonstrated ability to organize and plan one’s work to meet critical deadlines   

• Demonstrated ability to prepare complex written reports and provide reliable testimony explaining the investigation process, findings, conclusions and rationales   

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team   

Preferred Qualifications 

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school  

• Experience within academic and research institutions of higher education or government agency   

• Professional experience in conducting civil rights investigations in a public higher education environment   

• Experience conducting investigations of alleged sexual misconduct, including complaints of sexual assault, stalking, relationship violence, and/or domestic violence   

• Experience representing employers to enforcement agencies, such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC)  

• Excellent skills in the areas of conflict resolution, problem-solving techniques, and interviewing best practices (including trauma-informed investigation practices for sexual misconduct matters)    

• Ability to effectively and efficiently use computer systems and databases, including Windows-based software   

About the Team 

Compliance and Risk Services (CRS) serves the University, its mission, and its community by providing enterprise-wide leadership and professional expertise and services relating to key compliance areas and risk management. The Civil Rights Compliance Office (CRC) within CRS is responsible for compliance with civil rights laws and University policy. Federal and state laws collectively prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics, including age, citizenship, disability, national origin or shared ancestry, race, sex, gender, veteran status, and more.